Sports Fans Coalition Calls on U.S. Soccer Federation to Address Claims of Discrimination
Sports Fans Coalition over the years has called for reforming the governance system of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) to allow for open, fair competition and maximum participation by Americans from all communities. That is why we are concerned about the claims made by La Asociación Nacional Fútbol en Estados Unidos (National Association of Soccer in the United States) about unfair and discriminatory practices by USSF. These complaints include allegedly willful attempts to deny a predominantly Latino organization from full and equal participation in youth, amateur soccer in the U.S. and, if true, could constitute serious violations of antitrust and anti-discrimination policies and laws of the United States. We urge USSF to agree to a third party audit and report of its practices with respect to the claims made by the National Association of Soccer.
Equal Pay Shouldn't Have Contingencies
Yesterday, the U.S. women's national soccer team players settled their class-action lawsuit over equal pay with the U.S. Soccer Federation for a total of $24 million – more than $40 million shy of their initial prayer for relief. The settlement also includes a pledge by the USSF to move towards equal pay.
Read moreHope Solo, Lisa Stoia, and Nikki Izzo-Brown Fight for Olympic Gender Equality
On Monday, Olympian and SFC Board Member Hope Solo and West Virginia University Women's Soccer Coaches Lisa Stoia and Nikki Izzo-Brown wrote Senators Maria Cantwell (D WA) and Shelley Moore Capito (R WW) calling for the reintroduction of the Equal Pay for Team USA Act. If this bill passes, it will give all Olympian athletes the equality they deserve. Solo, Stoia, and Izzo-Brown call for the reintroduction as Team USA prepares for Tokyo.
Read moreSFC and Hope Solo Endorse the Athletics Fair Pay Act
In the wake of the USWNT’s World Cup victory, Senator Dianne Feinstein (D CA) and Representative Lois Frankel (D FL-21) introduced legislation which would grant all women under the US Olympic system equal pay. The pay disparity between men and women under the US Soccer Federation is no secret and has made national headlines this summer. Feinstein and Frankel’s bill. The Athletics Fair Pay Act was the first of several new pieces of legislation to rectify this injustice.
Read moreFIFA: US Soccer is Failing its Duty
We recently sent a letter to FIFA headquarters in Switzerland. Having spent months studying American soccer, meeting with professional players and coaches, young athletes and officials, we at SFC felt compelled to share what we have learned.
Read moreOpportunity is Knocking, Are Delegates Listening?
On Feb. 10th, the USSF Presidential Election is a Chance to Take Our Game Back
On October 10, 2017, in a World Cup qualifying game against Trinidad and Tobago, USMNT player Clint Dempsey’s second-half shot hit the post rather than going in the goal, and we failed to make the cut. While I’m sure that missed shot will haunt Dempsey forever, the soccer community should look at it for what it is - a gift. That missed goal opened our eyes to the systemic failures and the need for change at USSF and, as hard as it may be, we should be thankful for it.
Read moreUSSF has Failed its Mission and its Fans
In the latest chapter of the contentious US Soccer election, presidential candidate, Hope Solo, filed a formal complaint with the US Olympic Committee (USOC). Accusing USSF of abandoning its duty as a National Governing body and charging, “the USSF’s paramount concern has become protecting and nurturing the MLS, even if at the expense of other stakeholders, including those involved in professional women’s and amateur soccer.”
Read moreSFC's Letter to US Soccer
This weekend, leading up to an important Board of Directors' meeting in New York, we sent a letter to Secretary General/CEO of USSF, Dan Flynn.
Read moreIt’s Time to End the Rigged Soccer System
While politicos across the country are anticipating the midterm elections later this year, the American soccer community is gearing up for an election of their own. On February 10, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Board of Directors and Member Council Delegates will gather in Orlando for one of the most anticipated elections in American soccer history as they choose a new president.
Read moreA Yellow Card for Unsportsmanlike Behavior on USSF
It's been almost a century since women earned the right to vote. Yet, the United States Soccer Federation didn't quite get the memo.
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